The paper of Philippine Nuclear Research Institute’s (PNRI) Nuclear Analytical Techniques Application (NATA) Section, Nuclear Services Division on PM2.5 Black Carbon Profile in Metro Manila (Philippines) was adjudged as the Best Scientific Poster for the Climate Science Session during the First National Conference on Research in Climate Change and Variability organized by the National Academy of Science and Technology. The award was given at Traders Hotel on September 27, 2012.
The paper discussed that the PNRI, in the course of its implementation of researches on air pollutant source identification and apportionment using nuclear and related analytical techniques, has also generated profiles of PM2.5 black carbon in sampling sites in Metro Manila since 1998. The results of the studies show that the annual mean values of PM2.5 in the four monitoring sites in Metro Manila and in Angat, Bulacan exceed the United States long-term standard of 15µg m-3 and the World Health Organization guideline value of 10 µg m-3. These results indicate a need to address fine particulate air pollution.
Fine particles are particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5) or approximately1/30ththe average width of a human hair. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, PM2.5 particles are believed to pose the greatest health risks. Because of their small size, these particles can penetrate into the lungs which can then be readily taken up into the bloodstream. The sources of fine particles include all types of combustion activities such as motor vehicles, power plants and wood burning.
In her congratulatory note to the principal author Preciosa Corazon B. Pabroa, NATA head, and to the other authors, namely Flora L. Santos (retired PNRI Chief Science Research Specialist) and NATA staff Angel T. Bautista VII, Joseph Michael D. Racho, and Ryan P. Morco, PNRI Director Dr. Alumanda M. dela Rosa stated, “let us keep up the good work for excellence and our efforts for our data to be used by the end-user, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources”. (Click here to see the poster)
